Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of the Scotland national team, has unveiled his first selection for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and the list features a notable influx of debutants. Among the newcomers are Sevilla forward Robbie Ure and Brondby defender Luis Binks, both of whom have earned their first full international caps under Pocognoli's watch. The squad also includes Celtic centre‑back Colby Donovan, Hearts winger Josh McPake and Swansea City midfielder Stephen Welsh, completing a group of five players making their senior Scotland debuts.
Their inclusion signals a shift toward a younger, more dynamic core as the new coach seeks to imprint his tactical philosophy on the side. In addition to the fresh faces, veteran striker Oli McBurnie of Hull City has finally been recalled after a long absence; his last appearance for Scotland came back in 2021.
The decision reflects both his improved form in the English Championship and a desire to add experience to the attacking line‑up. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Scott Bain and Jon McCracken, who return after long‑time stalwart Craig Gordon announced his retirement following the World Cup. Their presence offers a blend of seasoned reliability and youthful ambition between the sticks.
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour also makes a comeback after a knee injury forced him out of Steve Clarke's final squad. Gilmour’s technical ability and composure on the ball are expected to provide a creative spark in the midfield.
Stoke City defender Luke Graham, who impressed during Scotland's pre‑World Cup training camp in May and enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dundee, has been added to the roster. Graham has already amassed three under‑21 caps and has featured every minute in Stoke’s recent run of three wins and a draw in the Championship. Other notable inclusions are Sassuolo duo Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie, Udinese youngster Lennon Miller, and Hearts forward James Wilson, all of whom have been recalled to add depth across the pitch. However, some key players are missing.
Napoli’s Scott McTominay is sidelined while recovering from a minor heart operation, and Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury. Torino forward Che Adams also remains unavailable due to fitness concerns. In total, twelve members of the World Cup‑qualified squad have been omitted from Pocognoli’s first selection. The list of absentees also features Rangers centre‑back John Souttar, Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Hibernian defender Grant Hanley, Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam, Manchester United’s Tyler Fletcher, Millwall’s Lyndon Dykes, Stoke forward George Hirst and Swansea’s Ross Stewart, among others.
Luis Binks, who captains Danish SuperLiga side Brondby, is a versatile defender capable of playing across the back line. Although he has represented Scotland at under‑18 level, he also featured for England’s youth teams before committing to the Scottish senior side.
Robbie Ure’s rise has been remarkable. After a prolific spell at Swedish club Sirius, where he scored 20 goals in 20 games, the 22‑year‑old secured a high‑profile transfer to LaLiga side Sevilla. He remains eligible for Ukraine through his grandparents, adding an intriguing international dimension to his profile. Josh McPake’s selection rewards his impressive form since moving from St Johnstone to Hearts in the summer.
Meanwhile, Stephen Welsh earned his place after a successful loan stint at Motherwell from Celtic last season, demonstrating his readiness for senior international duty. Colby Donovan, a right‑back who has featured in every Celtic match this season, replaces his club teammate Anthony Ralston in the national squad, providing continuity from the domestic league. The full roster of goalkeepers includes Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers) and Jon McCracken (Bradford City). Defenders called up are Luis Binks (Brondby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al‑Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Kieran Tierney (Celtic) and Stephen Welsh (Swansea City).
Midfield selections feature Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Josh McPake (Hearts) and Lennon Miller (Udinese). Up front, the forwards are Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla) and James Wilson (Hearts). Speaking after the announcement, Pocognoli emphasized his vision: "The most important factor for me is the style of play I want to implement on the pitch. My selections have been guided by that principle.
I could have named many more players, but I had to make difficult choices based on the system we intend to use, injury status and recent playing time. We have a balanced mix of seasoned veterans, fresh talent and players returning from setbacks. The goal is to welcome the newcomers, preserve the team’s DNA and culture, and start a new chapter.
The past is behind us; now we build something new. It’s a fresh opportunity for many and a chance to prove ourselves both on and off the field." Former Scotland striker James McFadden, speaking to Sky Sports News, praised Ure’s inclusion: "Robbie’s been on our radar for a while, especially after his standout performances in Sweden before the World Cup. His move to Sevilla shows he can compete at the highest level.
Scotland has lacked depth in that position for years, and his unconventional path – moving abroad, taking risks – deserves respect. He’s earned this chance." McFadden also defended Oli McBurnie’s recall, noting the striker’s perseverance: "Oli has faced criticism, but his passion for wearing the Scotland shirt is undeniable.
He’s worked hard, improved his game, and now deserves a look at the number nine role." The upcoming fixtures for the new Scotland side include matches against Slovenia (26 September, 14:00), Switzerland (29 September, 19:45), North Macedonia (3 October, 19:45), a return clash with Slovenia (6 October, 19:45), another game versus North Macedonia (13 November, 19:45) and a final encounter with Switzerland (16 November, 19:45). The squad will aim to blend experience with youthful vigor as they embark on Pocognoli’s inaugural campaign, hoping to lay the foundations for a competitive and attractive style of football in the years ahead.